The Ohio State football program has produced a lot of incredible receivers over the years. Quite frankly, they are the best program in the country at doing that. This dates back all the way to the 1990s with Joey Galloway and Terry Glenn, both of whom had excellent NFL careers.
Over the last decade or so, the Buckeyes have really ramped up the wide receiver talent. After next month, the Ohio State Buckeyes will have produced a record five-straight first-round receivers. That's how good Ryan Day and his staff have been at identifying talent in high school and then developing it.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is one of those first-round receivers, being taken by the Seahawks in 2023 with the 20th overall pick. Since then, he has been the best receiver in the NFL. Now, he is getting paid like it just a few months after helping Seattle win the Super Bowl.
Former Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba becomes highest-paid receiver in the NFL
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Seahawks are signing JSN to a massive extension that makes him the highest-paid receiver in NFL history. He is getting a four-year, $168.6 million contract extension. His average of $42.15 million per year and his $120 million guaranteed are both records, as well.
Smith-Njigba was a massive part of the Seahawks' offense last season. He led the league in receiving, despite defenses knowing that he was the best offensive player Seattle had every single game. He is now tied to the Seahawks for the next six seasons.
Ohio State fans have a complicated history with JSN. Still, this shows just how good Day is at producing elite talent at the receiver position. This will certainly be used as a recruiting tool moving forward, as it should. If you want to be an elite receiver at the next level, Ohio State is the right place for you.
Without Brian Hartline on staff, it will take a couple of seasons for prospects to trust Cortez Hankton. Still, this is great for the Buckeyes moving forward.